by Joe Mack
There is much to like about the new film Superman Returns, not least of which is the absence of any wise and/or wacky Black sidekick.
I was actually shocked at the lack of minority-types in this Metropolis. All the authority figures are white. Considering Hollywood's current propensities, this is, to say the least, casting off-type.
The Man of Steel returns to the city after a five-year absence. His mission is "truth, justice and all that stuff," --as his new, improved job is not to save America but to fly all over the world rescuing (foreign) damsels and others in distress.
World policeman though he is, the hero aspect of his life quickly fades in this film. Superman/Clark is yearning for Lois. Miss Lane has moved on, no doubt on the good advice of Dr. Laura, and is now involved with Perry White's well-to-do nephew.
A pesky indiscretion has left her with a young son. I was delighted to see that he was not a wigger-type, but rather a well-behaved, sensitive White child.
Lex Luthor, up to his usual monkey business, can't keep a good-man down, so to speak--though for a minute I thought Superman was in big trouble.
"Why the world needs Superman" is title of an essay by Lois Lane. It makes one long for a real über-hero. Or perhaps all we really need are just a few good, brave mortal men.
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